Triathlon By The Numbers

As participation continues to increase, here’s what we’re learning about the people who are flocking to endurance sports.

Triathlon, and endurance sports in general, are still seeing steady growth, according to a survey conducted by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association. Between 2012 and 2013, the number of people who participated in at least one adventure race or road triathlon both increased by more than 25 percent. As participation continues to increase, here’s what we’re learning about the people who are flocking to endurance sports.

12% of the general population (18+ years old) have participated in an endurance sport (defined as a half-marathon, marathon, triathlon, Ironman or obstacle course competition)

Of endurance sports participants…70% have participated in a half-marathon17% have participated in a triathlon

Endurance sports participants are 1.3 times more likely to be single & 1.2 times more likely to be from the Northeast

64% of endurance sports participants are 18–34

71% of endurance sports participants are male

Reasons for participating in endurance sports (people surveyed could select more than one):41% It seemed fun39% Because I enjoy training38% Friends or family encouraged me37% To get me in better shape37% For a sense of accomplishment or achievement36% Because I enjoy the competitive spirit29% A special cause or charity27% Because it was on my bucket list

*Source: Repucom, a global sports marketing research agency that surveys 1,000 people per month

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Iron War

At the 1989 Ironman® World Championship Dave Scott and Mark Allen raced side by side at world-record pace for a grueling 139 miles in this photography courtesy of VeloPress from Iron War: Dave Scott, Mark Allen, and the Greatest Race Ever Run by Matt Fitzgerald. Buy the book

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